JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
A circus of activity awaits at the "Shine for Life" benefit fashion and hair show at the O Lounge Saturday. In addition to fashion shows, there will be food, demonstrations of martial arts, dance, fencing and alternative medicine to encourage youths to adopt positive interests and fit lifestyles. CLICK FOR LARGE

Seeing the light

There's a serious fundraising goal at the heart of the "Shine for Life" fashion and hair extravaganza

THE "SHINE FOR LIFE" event Saturday at the O Lounge promises a fashion and hair show, with a sideshow of representatives from the entertainment, martial arts, dance and restaurant worlds as well.

For starters, models will show fashion from Bamboo Sky, 88 Tees, the Butik, Pineapple County, Spark I and Spark II vintage fashion, and tattoo and clothing designs by Conor from Rockstar Tattoo & Piercing.

Throughout the evening, there will be demonstrations from Capoeira Hawaii, Au's Shaolin Arts, Redi JEDI break dancers, the Movement Center dance studio, and fencing by master Colin Chock.

In addition, there will be a fantasy hair show featuring Kissa Hair Salon, JPS Salon, the Motives makeup team and Flaunt airbrush makeup artists.

It's an ambitious, all-inclusive undertaking that demonstrates what one person can accomplish with a little motivation.

ANTHÉ TRAN just didn't want to sit idly watching people succumb to drug culture. The diminutive makeup artist has plans to launch a youth-oriented magazine, Shine HI, to lead people away from self-destructive pursuits, while encouraging them to become involved in creative, healthful and community-oriented endeavors. This fundraising event is the first step toward making her dream a reality.

"My ex-husband was involved with drugs, and so was my uncle in Hong Kong. I've seen enough drug problems, so I have that in the back of my mind.

"I want to focus on fitness and nutrition, teaching the next generation to be healthy. It's not enough telling people drugs are bad, so don't do drugs. You have to show them a better way to entertain themselves."

Participants in the benefit were chosen to demonstrate how much fun healthful physical activity can be, and Tran has experienced the results firsthand.

"Since I started doing tai chi and yoga, I have no desire to drink alcohol like I used to," she said. Her goal is to open a youth-oriented recreation center to help make fitness classes affordable for anyone.

She was inspired by those at her church, Word of Life, who have demonstrated that far from being powerless, one individual can make a difference in others' lives.

"I try to apply what I learned, that everybody should find their passion. Otherwise life is boring," she said. "I believe that the more you give of yourself, the more you get back, and I hope this concept will grow in Hawaii."